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Key Points

Javed Akhtar and Shankar Mahadevan launched Goongoonalo, India's first artist-owned music platform. The initiative promises creative independence for musicians and poets. The platform will showcase unreleased works and interactive fan experiences. Akhtar called it a historic moment for Indian artistic freedom.

Key Points: Javed Akhtar Launches Artist-Owned Music Platform Goongoonalo

  • Javed Akhtar and Shankar Mahadevan lead Goongoonalo launch
  • Platform offers creative freedom for artists
  • Features unreleased works and fan collaborations
  • Aims to nurture emerging talent
2 min read

This is pure artistic expression: Javed Akhtar leads launch of 'Goongoonalo', India's first artist-owned music platform

Javed Akhtar and Shankar Mahadevan unveil Goongoonalo, India's first artist-owned music platform, empowering creators with creative freedom.

"This is pure artistic expression. We write what we want, compose what we feel. – Javed Akhtar"

Mumbai, May 6

In what is being hailed as a watershed moment for Indian music, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar unveiled 'Goongoonalo', a groundbreaking digital platform created by and for artists.

Over 30 stalwarts from the Indian music industry attended the launch event, held at Studio Theatre, Jio World, BKC, Mumbai.

Founded by Javed Akhtar, music composer Shankar Mahadevan, and technologist Sridhar Ranganathan, with Sherley Singh as CEO, 'Goongoonalo' is India's first cultural and musical ecosystem wholly owned and operated by creators themselves.

It promises to be a vibrant space where music, poetry, and storytelling intersect, and where creative freedom is no longer a privilege but a right.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the platform, Javed Akhtar spoke with ANI and said, "In films, we work on commission--what the director or producer wants, we deliver. But here, we have absolute freedom. We write what we want, compose what we feel. There are no approvals to seek. It is pure artistic expression."

He emphasised that 'Goongoonalo' gives creators independence from industry gatekeepers.

"Whatever we want to make, we will make and present to the world," he added, highlighting the shift from dependency to autonomy.

Akhtar also stressed the platform's commitment to nurturing new talent and said, "Every member has the right to introduce emerging singers, writers, or composers. In this way, fresh talent finds a real stage."'Goongoonalo' will feature original compositions, unreleased works, exclusive content, interactive fan engagement, and collaborative opportunities across genres and languages.

Fans will be able to stream behind-the-scenes content, attend digital concerts, co-create with artists, and even participate in workshops.

As 'Goongoonalo' opens its doors to the public, Javed Akhtar declared May 5 a date to remember in Indian cultural history.

"This is just the beginning. The real impact of Goongoonalo will unfold in the years ahead," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally! A platform where our artists get the respect they deserve. For too long, big labels have controlled everything. Javed sahab and team are doing God's work 🙌 Hope this becomes the Spotify of Indian independent music!
P
Priya M.
As someone who follows indie music closely, I'm cautiously optimistic. The concept is brilliant but execution will be key. Will they have enough regional language content? Most platforms ignore South Indian and Northeastern artists. Fingers crossed 🤞
A
Arjun S.
What an amazing initiative! Just imagine getting raw, unfiltered creations from legends like Javed Akhtar without any commercial compromises. This could revolutionize how we experience Indian art forms beyond just Bollywood.
N
Neha T.
The name 'Goongoonalo' is so catchy and Indian! Love that it's not trying to sound Western like other platforms. Hope they keep the pricing reasonable though - not everyone can afford multiple subscriptions in this economy.
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Sanjay P.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I worry about discoverability. There are already so many music apps. How will new artists stand out without the marketing muscle of big labels? The team should focus on curation and recommendation algorithms.
M
Meera R.
The interactive features sound exciting! Imagine learning songwriting from Javed Akhtar himself through workshops. This could be a game-changer for aspiring musicians in small towns who don't have industry connections.

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